Monday, November 29, 2010

I have a busy week planned but wanted to jump on here and tell you about an awesome giveaway over at Kristen's Creations! How cute are these?! Head on over and check out Kristen's site and enter for a chance to win!

Friday, November 26, 2010

Happy Black Friday! Did you get up early and go shopping? Not this girl! While I love shopping as much as the next girl, I love my bed a little bit more at 4:00 am! :o) Can I get an amen out there?

Thanksgiving has come and gone and I wanted to share one last post on this year's festivities. It's more for myself but just in case you've wanted a glimpse into my private life, I thought I'd post it here.

Yesterday, Emma (my niece) and I were alone in the kitchen. I was moving around cooking and things were pretty quiet as everyone else was out in the garage. I'm not sure how the conversation actually started, but I made some random comment about my kitchen. I want to say it was something along the lines of wishing it was more modern but that Uncle Chris and I didn't have the money to make any changes to it right now. Emma looked me right in the eye and said, "A lot of people I know don't have all of this fancy stuff." Suddenly I could see things just a little clearer.....my grandmother's china was on the table, a pot of freshly ground coffee was just finishing and the people that I love were gathered together out in the garage. I was so busy trying to get our dinner done in my 1957 kitchen that I lost sight of all that I am blessed with and it took a 10 year old's observations to bring my focus back into perspective. I immediately stopped what I was doing and looked at her and said, "You are absolutely right. And I'm thankful for what I've been given." And I truly am.

So thank you Emma for helping Aunt Melissa see things as they really are. You bring a joy to my life like no one else and it is my deepest hope that you never lose the ability to see things like you did yesterday!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

I promise this is the last fall/Thanksgiving card I'm going to post this season! Is it just me that can hardly believe that Thanksgiving is almost here? I certainly hope not!

I'm not sure if I'll post anything for the rest of the week as I'd like to concentrate more on my home and family during this time. I'd like to encourage you to do the same thing....and with the risk of sounding like a broken record....

Monday, November 22, 2010

I hope your day is shaping up to be a good one. It's one of my favorite kind of days at home....the only thing on my agenda is puttering around doing some light housework and watching the rain turn into snow.

Plans for Thursday are all finalized and everything is purchased so that leaves me with a peace of mind. Usually I wait until the last minute to do things because I seem to always be running behind! I'm thankful that this year is different....

I wanted to leave you with a quote that sums up how I'm feeling these days. I hope you find many things to feel gratitude for today!

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life....it can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home and a stranger into a friend." Melody Beattie, Author

Friday, November 19, 2010

I've been following Melissa'sFavorite Things Party all week long and wanted to share my list today! Here are a few of my favorite things in no particular order....

1. Coffee! We like it bold and strong....no sissy stuff for this girl! Right now we are enjoying the Costa Rican Blend from Costco and it is gooooooood! I couldn't find a photo on their site so you'll have to trust me on this one!

2. Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation! If I could only have one makeup item for the rest of my life, this would be it. I love the even coverage and it lasts all day long. Why mess around with something that's just going to wear off?

3. My Scor-Pal! I bugged my mother for six months prior to my birthday about getting me one of these and I can't even begin to describe how much it helps me in my card/box/gift making. I love it!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Hostess gifts are almost a thing of the past aren't they? I say, let's bring them back! A little kindness goes a long, long way. Even a store bought beverage seems more thoughtful when you add a little handmade tag to it!

Monday, November 15, 2010

It's hard for me to believe that the holidays are here already! And because I don't want to skip right over Thanksgiving and go straight into Christmas, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite past projects for this time of year. Enjoy!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

I'm so glad to report that the Christmas Bazaar is done! I simply don't know how vendors do multiple venues in one year....it's a lot of work and completely changes my perspective of what it takes to run a successful one!

Unfortunately I forgot to take photos of most of the items that were on our table but I did take this one last week when I completed it at home....

Tag Inside

Tag Outside

I followed the directions from Splitcoaststampers and found it to be fun to make...it's perfect for those occasions where you need a little extra something for someone but are on a tight budget!